Who knock on wood for good luck?

Traditionally, many of us tap wood to bring good luck or to keep our luck from getting worse. Recently, a simple phrase "Oh hit the boards!" has taken the place of this action. So where did all this wood-banging stuff really come from?

Before Christianity and Islam, in many parts of the world from Ireland to India, many people with pagan beliefs worshiped trees and made them legends.

While some used trees as divinations, some communities, such as the Celts, used them for their religious rituals, considering trees to be the homes of some spirits or gods.

Authors Stefan Bechtel and Deborah Aaronson make two connections between tapping wood and these spirits in their book The Good Luck Book and Luck: The Essential Guide.

What does the phrase knock on wood mean?

In many cultures, it's a common superstition for people to knock their knuckles on a piece of wood to bring themselves good fortune or ward off bad luck.

The reason for this is that Pagan Europeans wanted to drive evil spirits away from their homes and trees or to prevent these spirits from spoiling their luck.

The other point of departure is assumed to be the way tree worshipers touch the tree with their hands when asking for something from the gods and spirits, or show their gratitude to the supernatural.

With this tradition that has continued for centuries, a religious ceremony turns into a superstitious belief that it is believed to bring luck or maintain luck.

According to Bechtel, both situations indicate a need for protection against jealousy and anger. Mortals, who are too proud and do not know how to be grateful, get their share of the jealousy of evil spirits and the anger of the gods and find such a solution that they believe will bring luck.

Why do people knock on wood for luck?

https://www.history.com/news/why-do-people-knock-on-wood-for-luck